MONROVIA -- Thousands of Liberians cheered and wept as West African peacekeepers rolled into the war-ravaged capital Monrovia, besieged by rebels since June, to stage their first patrols. As the first batch of troops entered the city from the airport on jeeps, six trucks packed with men, and a series of armored vehicles, excited crowds ringing the roads screamed: ""We want peace, no more war."

Others waited for up to three hours to see the troops arrive amid a scene of destruction, where just days ago mortars rained down and up to 250,000 people have been forced from their homes.

Grinning Nigerian soldiers meanwhile waved white handkerchiefs or flashed the V for victory sign.

Many of those in the crowd put on their best clothes in honor of the force, who are widely regarded by the populace as their saviors.

"They are much welcome because we need peace. They have to deploy in the whole country, that's what we want," exclaimed 25-year-old Alice Johnson.

Others sang and danced in a rare show of merriment.

"I'm very pleased because we are suffering too much and we really need peace. We hope that the UN and ECOWAS will bring peace in Liberia for ever," said Robert Massaquoi, a 27-year-old social worker who is now unemployed.

The troops, dispatched by the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) arrived in Monrovia on Monday and immediately took up positions at the airport on the outskirts of the city.

The euphoria followed the troops as they made their way into the heart of Monrovia which has been ravaged by bitter battles for more than two weeks.

People were crammed on balconies and windows to watch their progress. Children cried out in joy and many women wept openly.

A Nigerian officer was overwhelmed by the red carpet treatment.

"I am very proud. It's rare that one is welcomed like this," he said.

But several residents wanted the troops to move into the key port area, held by rebels fighting President Charles Taylor -- who has vowed to hand over power on Monday -- and therefore cutting off access to food and possible humanitarian supplies.

The rebels hold the northern sections of the city and the government controls the southern and eastern districts.

"We want the port," several youths cried as the troops stopped at the Lebanese cultural centre in the eastern Sinkor district to set up their base.

A Nigerian spokesman said the force would be deployed on the rebel-occupied Bushrod Island at an appropriate time.